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The Glass Case
In her classic short story THE GLASS CASE, Kristin Hannah explores the heart and mind of a young mother. April Bannerman is a young mother of three, married to her high school sweetheart and living in the same small town in which she grew up. Although she loves her children and husband, April is plagued by the growing doubt that she has not lived up to her mother's expectations for her---until one day when something terrible and unexpected happens, and April must face the truth about her own life and discover what really matters.
Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2011
202 people are currently reading
19802 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Hannah
142 books290k followersKristin Hannah is the award-winning and bestselling author of more than 20 novels including the international blockbuster, The Nightingale, which was named Goodreads Best Historical fiction novel for 2015 and won the coveted People's Choice award for best fiction in the same year. It was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon, iTunes, Buzzfeed, the Wall Street Journal, Paste, and The Week. In 2018,
The Great Alone became an instant New York Times #1 bestseller and was named the Best Historical Novel of the Year by Goodreads.
The Four Winds was published in February of 2021 and immediately hit #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Indie bookstore's bestseller lists. Additionally, it was selected as a book club pick by the both Today Show and The Book Of the Month club, which named it the best book of 2021.
Firefly Lane, her beloved novel about two best friends, was the #1 Netflix series around the world, in the week it came out. The popular tv show stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke and Season Two is currently set to conclude the series on April 27, 2023.
Her new novel, The Women, about a young woman coming of age during the turbulent 1960's in America, who joins the Army Nurse Corps and serves in Vietnam will be published February 6th, 2024.
A former attorney, Kristin lives in the Pacific Northwest.
The Great Alone became an instant New York Times #1 bestseller and was named the Best Historical Novel of the Year by Goodreads.
The Four Winds was published in February of 2021 and immediately hit #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Indie bookstore's bestseller lists. Additionally, it was selected as a book club pick by the both Today Show and The Book Of the Month club, which named it the best book of 2021.
Firefly Lane, her beloved novel about two best friends, was the #1 Netflix series around the world, in the week it came out. The popular tv show stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke and Season Two is currently set to conclude the series on April 27, 2023.
Her new novel, The Women, about a young woman coming of age during the turbulent 1960's in America, who joins the Army Nurse Corps and serves in Vietnam will be published February 6th, 2024.
A former attorney, Kristin lives in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
November 15, 2015
A short story of regrets, doubts, and learning to play the cards dealt to you in life.
My initial thoughts was that this story reminded me of the movie Where the Heart Is, although maybe not quite as dramatic. April gets pregnant at 17 by her high school boyfriend Ryan. When her mom finds out she starts planning their wedding immediately, but that day never comes because her mother has less than 2 months to live.
Taking a stroll down memory lane 10 years later, April looks back thinking of everything that could have been but will never be. She worries that she never lived up to who her mother wanted her to be. Amid her recollections of the past, she waits for her 6 year old boy to get off the bus from school. When he's not on the bus and she can't find him at school, she's forced to put her life into perspective.
Predictable but cute short story that made me interested in taking a look at more of her stories.
My initial thoughts was that this story reminded me of the movie Where the Heart Is, although maybe not quite as dramatic. April gets pregnant at 17 by her high school boyfriend Ryan. When her mom finds out she starts planning their wedding immediately, but that day never comes because her mother has less than 2 months to live.
Taking a stroll down memory lane 10 years later, April looks back thinking of everything that could have been but will never be. She worries that she never lived up to who her mother wanted her to be. Amid her recollections of the past, she waits for her 6 year old boy to get off the bus from school. When he's not on the bus and she can't find him at school, she's forced to put her life into perspective.
Predictable but cute short story that made me interested in taking a look at more of her stories.
October 4, 2025
Verrassend goed voor zo'n kort verhaal.
January 25, 2012
This is a little short story that is very well written by Kristin Hannah (but anything Kristin Hannah writes is worth the read in my opinion - I AM obviously A HUGE FAN!).
Those who have lost a parent will be able to relate instantly to this story, as I did. It's just a heart-warming story with real characters and believable content. Definitely worth the time to read this! (plus it is a free download on kindle through amazon right now).
The story is written from the point of view of April who is a small town stay at home wife with 3 kids and a great husband and although she enjoys her life, she wonders if she has missed out on a life with something bigger and better. Alice, April's mother always wanted more for April than she herself had as a single parent in a go-nowhere town.
A scary incident takes place in April's life which has her questioning all her choices and helps her to realize what she values most. This is a quick little read and I found this story entertaining with a very good message. It's a little tear jerker too (again for those who have lost a parent you will be able to relate). Happy reading my friends!
Those who have lost a parent will be able to relate instantly to this story, as I did. It's just a heart-warming story with real characters and believable content. Definitely worth the time to read this! (plus it is a free download on kindle through amazon right now).
The story is written from the point of view of April who is a small town stay at home wife with 3 kids and a great husband and although she enjoys her life, she wonders if she has missed out on a life with something bigger and better. Alice, April's mother always wanted more for April than she herself had as a single parent in a go-nowhere town.
A scary incident takes place in April's life which has her questioning all her choices and helps her to realize what she values most. This is a quick little read and I found this story entertaining with a very good message. It's a little tear jerker too (again for those who have lost a parent you will be able to relate). Happy reading my friends!
December 11, 2011
I've read a couple of Kristin Hannah's novels, and counting this short story, she's yet to disappoint. The Glass Case is a very touching story that is fully-packed with valuable lessons. It's about being a daughter, a mother, a wife. It's about regrets and what ifs. It's about how our connections with our loved ones aren't really severed by death. It's about being content and happy, knowing that you love and are loved in return.
December 23, 2015
This is written in usual Kristin Hannah prose; drawing pictures with her words and linking to real emotions. It's a short story so the expectation of much depth is not of the greatest importance. What the story is really about is love of a child, exploration of the love of a mother, enduring love of a tired but solid marriage, and of satisfaction. The glass case is the figurative case the protagonist keeps her mother's memory. The memory of her mother's encouragement, love, and disappointment. Within the story, the protagonist is pushed to open the Glass Case and carefully examine her mother's disappointment while contrasting her own perceptions.
Although my summary of the story sounds very bland and unexciting, I don't believe it is that way at all. It is really very touching and redemptive. Perhaps because I am tired of the mother who wakes up after years of mothering and taking care of everything only to realize she's gotten older and her dreams of being a *fill-in-the-blank* have never been realized. Because she always planned on doing whatever it is she planned on doing before she sacrificed her life for her husband who doesn't appreciate her and her children who are still sneezing germs all over the place and demanding to be fed every day only to poop it out and occasionally right in the toilet.
*Spoiler Alert* (and a lot of personal babbling)
Because we all have choices we make in our lives that take us down certain paths. Lamenting what could have and should have been is counterproductive and channeling Gloria Steinem really is not the answer to all of women's life questions and crises. Because the world needed a Gloria Steinem and she did her job well. But women are going to be overworked, underappreciated, and might always question what might have been if only she had taken another path. Too many books feature the protagonist who falls into this category which is good for awhile because we can relate to some extent. Then at some point it is repetitive and we wonder what the point is. Short of a time machine, there is no going back and unmaking those decisions.
What if, given the choice to have a do-over and follow those dreams of getting a Ph.D. and marrying Mr. Wonderful we discover that our lives are still busy and we still wonder if we took the right path? Because we're women and second guessing is our second nature.
Or...
What if we step back and look at our lives that are standard, ordinary, tiring and realize that, no matter what choices we made to end up where we are, we would still be 46 years old and here we are? We put away our second guessing and realize we made the choices we made and we're satisfied? Happy? That what is most important to us is within the walls of our homes? We don't have to be Gloria Steinem to be movers and shakers in the world. Our world is our children and we love them. We chose them and we'd do it all over again just to have what we have right now.
Because life doesn't have to be perfect for us to be happy.
Although my summary of the story sounds very bland and unexciting, I don't believe it is that way at all. It is really very touching and redemptive. Perhaps because I am tired of the mother who wakes up after years of mothering and taking care of everything only to realize she's gotten older and her dreams of being a *fill-in-the-blank* have never been realized. Because she always planned on doing whatever it is she planned on doing before she sacrificed her life for her husband who doesn't appreciate her and her children who are still sneezing germs all over the place and demanding to be fed every day only to poop it out and occasionally right in the toilet.
*Spoiler Alert* (and a lot of personal babbling)
Because we all have choices we make in our lives that take us down certain paths. Lamenting what could have and should have been is counterproductive and channeling Gloria Steinem really is not the answer to all of women's life questions and crises. Because the world needed a Gloria Steinem and she did her job well. But women are going to be overworked, underappreciated, and might always question what might have been if only she had taken another path. Too many books feature the protagonist who falls into this category which is good for awhile because we can relate to some extent. Then at some point it is repetitive and we wonder what the point is. Short of a time machine, there is no going back and unmaking those decisions.
What if, given the choice to have a do-over and follow those dreams of getting a Ph.D. and marrying Mr. Wonderful we discover that our lives are still busy and we still wonder if we took the right path? Because we're women and second guessing is our second nature.
Or...
What if we step back and look at our lives that are standard, ordinary, tiring and realize that, no matter what choices we made to end up where we are, we would still be 46 years old and here we are? We put away our second guessing and realize we made the choices we made and we're satisfied? Happy? That what is most important to us is within the walls of our homes? We don't have to be Gloria Steinem to be movers and shakers in the world. Our world is our children and we love them. We chose them and we'd do it all over again just to have what we have right now.
Because life doesn't have to be perfect for us to be happy.
October 27, 2022
Beautiful story about the circle of life, and what truly makes happiness?
December 7, 2025
3.5⭐️
Audioboek🎧
Ik had zin in een kort luisterboek en dit was ideaal!
Cute verhaal, laat je nadenken wat er echt toe doet. Maar ik vond het niet per se heel speciaal… wel van genoten though, was precies waar ik zin in had.
Audioboek🎧
Ik had zin in een kort luisterboek en dit was ideaal!
Cute verhaal, laat je nadenken wat er echt toe doet. Maar ik vond het niet per se heel speciaal… wel van genoten though, was precies waar ik zin in had.
August 2, 2017
Really good
September 1, 2021
Read it only for the challenge. It was what I expected and not really for me. But I have to admit it was well written and touching.
Read
January 23, 2025Kristin Hannah makes me connect on a deeper level with her characters and break my heart even on a 30page short story, and that says everything about the amazing author she is.
October 9, 2017
Diğer kitaplarından bir farkı var; historical romance havasında :)
May 28, 2012
I get it now (I read two short stories today)! Sorry An Unexpected Date, you happened to be the first short story ebook I read and got slammed for my ignorance of the design of short story books. Which I've recognized might be to taste the author's writing style and perhaps include an excerpt of the author's full length books at the end of the short story. Anyway, I have a new perspective and have been enlightened. Unfortunately, An Unexpected Date took the sacrifice for my learning.
Okay, now about this book. Well, this short story was an example of a captivating morsel. The tale had enough content to experience the quality of the writer as well. In this case, this was a good showcase because I certainly will now look into her full length books. :)
Specifically about this story, April's character was able to stir emotions from me. I was able to empathize with her journey of contemplation in "what could have been" and the reflection of family life. I especially ached for her when Definitely not a picnic in the park so for that reason, this story came alive for me.
In sum, this short story packed concentrated content that was telling of a great writer, emotionally relatable tale, and a wonderful message of love, loss, and gratitude to boot. Great job Ms Hannah!
Jinky is Reading
Okay, now about this book. Well, this short story was an example of a captivating morsel. The tale had enough content to experience the quality of the writer as well. In this case, this was a good showcase because I certainly will now look into her full length books. :)
Specifically about this story, April's character was able to stir emotions from me. I was able to empathize with her journey of contemplation in "what could have been" and the reflection of family life. I especially ached for her when Definitely not a picnic in the park so for that reason, this story came alive for me.
In sum, this short story packed concentrated content that was telling of a great writer, emotionally relatable tale, and a wonderful message of love, loss, and gratitude to boot. Great job Ms Hannah!
Jinky is Reading
April 9, 2012
This book is about the growing up of a girl named April. Major events in her life happen and we witness how she deals with the situation. When she is in high school April gets pregnant just like her mom did when she was in high school. April's mom is disappointed because she thought that April would have learned from her because she made the same mistake. April is upset at her mother for thinking that April will not be able to learn and be a successful person. April then loses connections with her mom until her mom dies, and April has to re-think her past and how she will raise her own kids.
The theme of this book is to take advice from the ones that love you. April does not listen to her mom and decides to live her own life without her mom. When April's mom dies, she regrets not a having a good relationship with her mom. April's mom only wanted the best for her daughter, but April was not on the same page as her mom. Maybe if April had taken the advice of her mom, they might of had a better relationship and she would not be regretting her hostility towards her mother.
I actually really liked this short story. Even though it kinda looked boring, you actually learn a lot from this short story. Its fun book from a high schooler's point of view and it goes on to when she has her own kids. This book is a good read if you just want a quick fun book to read.
The theme of this book is to take advice from the ones that love you. April does not listen to her mom and decides to live her own life without her mom. When April's mom dies, she regrets not a having a good relationship with her mom. April's mom only wanted the best for her daughter, but April was not on the same page as her mom. Maybe if April had taken the advice of her mom, they might of had a better relationship and she would not be regretting her hostility towards her mother.
I actually really liked this short story. Even though it kinda looked boring, you actually learn a lot from this short story. Its fun book from a high schooler's point of view and it goes on to when she has her own kids. This book is a good read if you just want a quick fun book to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2021
Prompt: A book by Kirsten Hannah: The Glass Case by Kirsten Hannah.
From her very loyal fans, I gathered that Kirsten Hannah wrote heart wrenching stories. She is really popular and very beloved as well. But I have a natural aversion to fiction and more so when it is described the way it is for Kirsten Hannah. I was already dreading reading even one novel for a prompt, the only one dedicated to an author by name, which surely tells me about her immense popularity and acceptance.
So I googled and found the smallest book written by Kirsten - The Glass Case. It was mushy mushy alright, bombastic and impossibly sentimental. The short story ended abruptly and to my delight, so did my reading challenge.
From her very loyal fans, I gathered that Kirsten Hannah wrote heart wrenching stories. She is really popular and very beloved as well. But I have a natural aversion to fiction and more so when it is described the way it is for Kirsten Hannah. I was already dreading reading even one novel for a prompt, the only one dedicated to an author by name, which surely tells me about her immense popularity and acceptance.
So I googled and found the smallest book written by Kirsten - The Glass Case. It was mushy mushy alright, bombastic and impossibly sentimental. The short story ended abruptly and to my delight, so did my reading challenge.
February 15, 2012
I was bawling by the end of this short story. I’m not a mother but I am a wife and a daughter. In fact I am a daughter who watched my mother battle cancer not once but twice, the first time when I was nine years old and the second when I was 23, her diagnosis with in weeks of my marriage. I remember going with her for treatments and sitting in the waiting room thinking “what if this doesn’t work? What if we lose her this time? What if she never meets my children?”
This short story brought all those feelings back but also brought peace to those fears.
This short story brought all those feelings back but also brought peace to those fears.
June 8, 2012
I just read this story. Oddly enough, I started it w/o reading the synopsis so didn't realize what it was going to be about. My mother passed away a few months ago and this really hit home for me. One of the last things she told me was not to worry, she's going to live to play with her grand children... This was inspiring and really touched my heart. This book was really well written and had the reader deeply involved. It's a quick and easy read and I would recommend it to anyone who lost a parent or any mother who knows the love of motherhood.
February 26, 2012
Hannah is an amazing writer. The Glass Case is about 15 pages long and yet it is full of so much emotion that it feels like reading a much longer story. It was different reading something by Hannah that was written in first person since Firefly Lane and Home Front are both in third person but I really liked the change as I'm a fan of first person books.
The sneak peek of Home Front was great as well, looks like I'm going to have to add another book to my pile!
The sneak peek of Home Front was great as well, looks like I'm going to have to add another book to my pile!
November 18, 2011
This is a short story. I love how Kristin Hannah can write such well described emotions. I just like the way she writes period, she's good. With this story, I felt like it ended too soon and I'm sure it's because it's a short story but I wanted/needed more...
February 2, 2012
this book really touched my heart as a woman and a mother. kristin hannah is one of my favorite authors and really knows how to tell a story.
May 3, 2013
A slow start but a very nice story.
August 12, 2017
Oh my gosh what a wonderful little read! It made me cry. I just love love love Kristin Hannah! Can't believe I waited so long to read this one!
February 27, 2022
Short but sweet. Kristin hannah knows how to put a pain in your heart.
February 5, 2023
“I am a twenty-seven-year-old housewife with no formal education, living in a house that was put together in a factory somewhere…I see the sadness in all of it, the tarnished truth that we were girls who’d grow up in the rainshadow of the women’s movement…We were tight as shoelaces.”
“Five- and six-year-olds stream down the steps and onto the sidewalk in a laughing, jostling, centipede of blue jeans and T-shirts.” And “I wonder if I’ve planted dreams in my children’s hearts and souls.”
“For years I have kept my mother’s memories in a glass case, thinking that they were too fragile to touch. But now I examine them, dissect them, and understand what part she played in who I am and how I feel about my life…I close my eyes and draw up images, the ones I’ve kept inside glass for so long. Surprisingly, they don’t shatter and break and cut me with their sharp edges…In their sandpapery dry echo, I hear her voice, the voice I’ve longed to hear for years, I only wanted you to be happy…Though my voice is a frayed remnant of itself, it is a triumph.”
“This will sting a little bit…but a kiss will make it all better. What better description of life and motherhood is there?...I am a twenty-seven-year-old housewife with no formal education, living in a house that was put together in a factory somewhere, and yet I know now that it is more than enough. It is everything.”
“Five- and six-year-olds stream down the steps and onto the sidewalk in a laughing, jostling, centipede of blue jeans and T-shirts.” And “I wonder if I’ve planted dreams in my children’s hearts and souls.”
“For years I have kept my mother’s memories in a glass case, thinking that they were too fragile to touch. But now I examine them, dissect them, and understand what part she played in who I am and how I feel about my life…I close my eyes and draw up images, the ones I’ve kept inside glass for so long. Surprisingly, they don’t shatter and break and cut me with their sharp edges…In their sandpapery dry echo, I hear her voice, the voice I’ve longed to hear for years, I only wanted you to be happy…Though my voice is a frayed remnant of itself, it is a triumph.”
“This will sting a little bit…but a kiss will make it all better. What better description of life and motherhood is there?...I am a twenty-seven-year-old housewife with no formal education, living in a house that was put together in a factory somewhere, and yet I know now that it is more than enough. It is everything.”
December 17, 2023
"I didn’t know then that every happy milestone in my life would carry with it a shadowy lining of loss. But she knew."
"Besides, I am pretty, in an I-got-pregnant-too-early-and-never-fulfilled-my-potential sort of way."
"Time goes too quickly."
I really love this story about love, loss, life passing by, appreciation and thoughts of what could of been.
April Palmer, pregnant at 17, daughter of a teen mom, neets Ryan, the star quarterback and they instantly fall in love. Upon telling the news to her mom, Ryan tells Mrs. Pamer he is going to provide her. Sad April followed in her footsteps, she plans for the babies arrival and a wedding. In those moments though, they didnt know she would only have a few months to live.
Ryan, honorable, trades his dream of major leagues for attending a small, local school on scholarship and a normal job to provide for his now wife and 3 children. Life moves on, time passes and one day their son Brad, 6years old, doesnt come home on the bus? Where is he?
While Bradley is missing, April comes to the realization that she didnt realize how much she loved her life and family.
Bradley appears and says he was led home by a mysterious woman, who knew both his mommy and daddy. Who is she?
A beautiful story, as Kristin Hannah is always able to provide. Recommend for a quick read!
"Besides, I am pretty, in an I-got-pregnant-too-early-and-never-fulfilled-my-potential sort of way."
"Time goes too quickly."
I really love this story about love, loss, life passing by, appreciation and thoughts of what could of been.
April Palmer, pregnant at 17, daughter of a teen mom, neets Ryan, the star quarterback and they instantly fall in love. Upon telling the news to her mom, Ryan tells Mrs. Pamer he is going to provide her. Sad April followed in her footsteps, she plans for the babies arrival and a wedding. In those moments though, they didnt know she would only have a few months to live.
Ryan, honorable, trades his dream of major leagues for attending a small, local school on scholarship and a normal job to provide for his now wife and 3 children. Life moves on, time passes and one day their son Brad, 6years old, doesnt come home on the bus? Where is he?
While Bradley is missing, April comes to the realization that she didnt realize how much she loved her life and family.
Bradley appears and says he was led home by a mysterious woman, who knew both his mommy and daddy. Who is she?
A beautiful story, as Kristin Hannah is always able to provide. Recommend for a quick read!
September 17, 2025
Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors, but I hadn't heard of this short story before. It is available in the Netherlands as an e-book and audiobook.
I listened to the book on my way to work on Monday morning via my @bookbeat account.
April Bannerman becomes pregnant at a young age by her high school sweetheart. Because she and her boyfriend marry young, they don't fulfill their childhood dreams. They also still live in the town where they grew up. April often thinks back to how her mother initially reacted when she told her about the unplanned pregnancy. April loves her young family, but can't shake the feeling that she hasn't lived up to her mother's expectations.
One day, when she fears the worst, April reflects on her life and discovers what makes her happy and what really matters.
Because the story is so well written and with such attention to detail, you are immediately drawn into the story. Various emotional themes are addressed, such as losing a parent, happiness and parenthood. With these themes, presented in an accessible way and with a touch of magic, you could perhaps classify the story as healing fiction.
I enjoyed reading short story, but because I found the story a bit predictable, I give it three stars.
I listened to the book on my way to work on Monday morning via my @bookbeat account.
April Bannerman becomes pregnant at a young age by her high school sweetheart. Because she and her boyfriend marry young, they don't fulfill their childhood dreams. They also still live in the town where they grew up. April often thinks back to how her mother initially reacted when she told her about the unplanned pregnancy. April loves her young family, but can't shake the feeling that she hasn't lived up to her mother's expectations.
One day, when she fears the worst, April reflects on her life and discovers what makes her happy and what really matters.
Because the story is so well written and with such attention to detail, you are immediately drawn into the story. Various emotional themes are addressed, such as losing a parent, happiness and parenthood. With these themes, presented in an accessible way and with a touch of magic, you could perhaps classify the story as healing fiction.
I enjoyed reading short story, but because I found the story a bit predictable, I give it three stars.
December 20, 2018
Great short story!
Sometimes I find it hard to read or hear a short story that leaves a huge impression in my mind and heart. This short story is very well written and leaves an impact. I hadn’t read any synopsis or reviews for this one before starting to read it. I was hooked from page one and couldn’t stop reading. At first I wasn’t sure where the author was going to take the story and then out of nowhere it swapped paths and drug me further into needing to know more. I really enjoyed this story. It does have some sad moments, some tear jerker moments and some happy situations. What I liked most is that it’s full of lessons learned and things we all need to think about from time to time.
Sometimes I find it hard to read or hear a short story that leaves a huge impression in my mind and heart. This short story is very well written and leaves an impact. I hadn’t read any synopsis or reviews for this one before starting to read it. I was hooked from page one and couldn’t stop reading. At first I wasn’t sure where the author was going to take the story and then out of nowhere it swapped paths and drug me further into needing to know more. I really enjoyed this story. It does have some sad moments, some tear jerker moments and some happy situations. What I liked most is that it’s full of lessons learned and things we all need to think about from time to time.
March 13, 2018
Loved this short read
The minute I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. So many emotions rushing through my head and body at once. Made me miss my mom. I loved the after life connection. I have experienced similar.
The minute I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. So many emotions rushing through my head and body at once. Made me miss my mom. I loved the after life connection. I have experienced similar.
June 23, 2018
A wonderful book!
This book reminds us that our mother is not perfect. She has feelings , hopes and dream like a regular person. Most of all a mother wants her child’s life to be better than her own.
This book reminds us that our mother is not perfect. She has feelings , hopes and dream like a regular person. Most of all a mother wants her child’s life to be better than her own.
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